USTR Issues Latest Round of Proposed Chinese Tariffs

The U.S. Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently issued a list of thousands of Chinese imports on which the Trump administration wants to impose new tariffs. The list includes numerous goods including furniture, wood products, and other flooring related materials. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer released the following statement regarding action under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974:

“On Friday, in response to unfair Chinese practices, the United States began imposing tariffs of 25 percent on approximately $34 billion worth of Chinese imports. These tariffs will eventually cover up to $50 billion in Chinese imports as legal processes conclude. The products targeted by the tariffs are those that benefit from China’s industrial policy and forced technology transfer practices.

“China has since retaliated against the United States by imposing tariffs on $34 billion in U.S. exports to China, and threatening tariffs on another $16 billion. It did this without any international legal basis or justification.

“As a result of China’s retaliation and failure to change its practices, the President has ordered USTR to begin the process of imposing tariffs of 10 percent on an additional $200 billion of Chinese imports. This is an appropriate response under the authority of Section 301 to obtain the elimination of China’s harmful industrial policies. USTR will proceed with a transparent and comprehensive public notice and comment process prior to the imposition of final tariffs, as we have for previous tariffs.”

In accordance with section 304(b) of the Trade Act (19 U.S.C. 2414(b)), USTR invites comments from interested persons with respect to the proposed supplemental action to be taken in the investigation. Written comments must be submitted by August 17, 2018 for consideration, and post-hearing rebuttal comments by August 30, 2018.

To view the notice, including the full list of proposed tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports, click here.